Top Security Cameras

Featuring Nest, Samsung, Netgear & Amcerst

Now is the perfect time to be looking into the top security cameras. As the technology improves and the price continues to go down, it has never been easier to create your DIY security system. Below are some of the best cameras this year designed to do just that. Whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras, baby monitors, or something discreet to keep an eye on things, these cameras can fit most – if not all – of your needs.

Heralded as one of the top security cameras by several sites, the Netgear Arlo Q comes with practically any feature you want. For one, it is incredibly easy to set up. It takes about ten minutes in all to get the thing up and running. The camera boasts a 1080p picture that streams 24/7 and can be accessed from any computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also download the last seven days of footage with Netgear’s free cloud service. Combine that with other impressive features like motion detection, two-way audio, and improved night vision, and it’s no wonder why everyone loves this camera.

Another highly recommended camera is the Nest Cam. Like the Arlo Q, it also streams 24/7 in 1080p. It also includes two-way audio and night vision. The camera can either be set on a desk or attached to the wall, which is something else it has in common with the Arlo Q. Unlike the Arlo, though, you have to pay for the cloud storage on the camera ($100/year for the ten-day plan). Even then, the price for the Nest Cam is pretty nice, and it is just one of several smart home/home security products.

The Piper NV is the ideal solution for someone looking for a discreet yet efficient device. The Piper NV could easily be mistaken for a Bluetooth speaker, but it is actually packing 180° 1080p camera. The little device also has a motion sensor as well as an intruder alarm. Like the others, it also has two-way audio so you can keep in touch with loved ones, or even your pets. Along with viewing live or recorded footage, Piper NV will also send you email notifications letting you know when everyone is gone, along with other handy details.

For another discreet device that also gives you a lot of features, the Canary is easily one of the top security cameras. It has a sleek and discreet design, and the company has emphasised simplicity with the product. It has a 147° 1080p camera, automatic night-vision, and even sensors to monitor the air quality in your home. When you are away and something suspicious appears on the Canary, it will instantly notify you and send a live stream of the footage to your smartphone. You can also set the Canary to immediately contact the police if something is wrong. The biggest drawback is the monthly plans. You can record and check the last 12 hours of footage, but if you want to see more, you’ll have to pay anywhere between $50 and $299 per year.

For a unique outdoor camera that includes further cool functionalities, the Ring Wi-Fi Doorbell is just for you. Essentially, the Ring is a wireless doorbell that holds 180° camera with a bright two-way audio. The doorbell connects directly to Wi-Fi, allowing you to check the camera (and even answer your door) at any time. The standard $199 version’s camera runs at 720p, but for $50 more you can get 1080p and interchangeable face-plates. Both models come with a lot of fresh and unique colours that can match any home setting. Lastly, the cloud service for Ring is pretty affordable. For just $30 a year, you can view and download up to 6 months of footage. That’s a crazy good deal.

For a cheaper solution with robust features, consider the Amcrest ProHD. It may have a smaller viewing angle of 90°, but it comes with all the other standard features including 1080p, two-way audio, night vision, and optional cloud backup. What makes the Amcrest truly unique is its support for local, non-cloud storage. Just plug an SD card up to 64GB into the device, and follow some quick set-up options to have your cost-effective copies of the footage. The Amcrest can also pan and tilt, which makes up for its lower viewing angle, and it gives you more control of how you monitor your house. Giving you full control and local storage options, it’s easy to see why Amcrest ProHD could be considered as the top security cameras.

If you are looking for another discreet indoor camera/baby monitor, the TENVIS is an affordable solution with decent features. It has a slightly lower 720p resolution but regarding security cameras, this isn’t a big deal. It still includes all the bells and whistles like night-vision and remote viewing on smartphones and tablets… oh, and it’s only $65. Like the Amcrest, it also supports an SD card, though there is no cloud solution if that is what you are looking for.

The camera features on the Samsung SmartCam are what make it remarkable. Sporting a 127° 1080p camera, the SmartCam also has a Light Enhancer and Wide Dynamic Range. With the Light Enhancer, the camera can adjust to varying light levels – providing a clear and sharp image even in the darker light. The WDR also helps balance backlit settings allowing for unobstructed views of windows and outdoor spaces. The Samsung SmartCam is also compatible with an SD card for local storage. The local storage combined with the 1080p camera and unique features makes the SmartCam one of the top security cameras.

If you don’t have the money for a new camera but still want to make your home more secure, you can always turn your old Android phones into security cameras. Just download the Salient Eye app, set your phone in a discreet place (and put it on the charger), and Salient Eye will keep you up to date on your home. When an intruder comes into your home, Salient Eye will trigger alarm sounds as well as send you pictures in real time of the event. There is no signup and no fee to get started, and Salient Eye even works when the screen is off. It may not have some of the robust features of others on this list, but it is a decent enough option for those on the cheap.

These are the top security cameras in our eyes. What cameras do you use in your home? Which cameras do you think deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Now a full-time writer, Caleb spends most of his days reading Star Wars novels and eating Cheez-Its. He maintains a blog where he talks about both freelance and fiction writing. He is an active tweeter and caffeine enthusiast.